“The Last Showgirl” is getting all sorts of awards-season love — and despite its central theme about the challenges of time, seems destined to age well and join our list of great Las Vegas movies. Directed by Gia Coppola, the arthouse drama was shot on location — mostly at the Rio — in just 18 days on 16 mm film, tapping into the beautiful grit of Las Vegas and the story of an aging showgirl facing the cancellation of her long-running production.
Pamela Anderson earned a Golden Globe nomination for the lead role, carrying the movie alongside a strong cast and two things that threaten to steal the show: Jamie Lee Curtis in a supporting role and authentic Jubilee showgirl costumes on loan from Caesars Entertainment.
While the settings and situations are uniquely Las Vegas, “The Last Showgirl” tackles relatable, universal themes, from family struggles and life choices to the unwinnable battle against getting older, even if it brings perspective and wisdom.
I attended a private preview screening at the Beverly Theater last week, followed by a Q&A. Anderson answered questions from moderator Rachel Smith while alongside producer Robert Schwartzman. The following responses are edited for brevity.
Rachel Smith leads a panel with Pamela Anderson and Robert Schwartzman. (Rob Kachelriess/City Cast Las Vegas)
You have a special connection to Las Vegas. You performed on a Vegas stage years ago.
“I've always wanted to be a magician's assistant … so I was happy to do that (as a celebrity guest for Hans Klok at Planet Hollywood in 2007) and be a showgirl … Everybody comes to Las Vegas, so we wanted to celebrate the people that make Vegas sparkle. In this film, I resonated with it … because it was about working-class people in Las Vegas behind the scenes, which is always exciting to see.
“I played Roxie in ‘Chicago’ on Broadway. And I came right from that to here (in Las Vegas to film). So that was the warm up. I got to hear that backstage banter, people talking about what they're making for dinner, and then hear their cue and go on, and then go off and continue talking about what they're going to make for dinner. It was fun to bring that into the film. All those little things.”
You got a lot of help from former Jubilee dancers and showgirls. Was that helpful working with the headpieces and all those quick changes? I'm sure they gave you a lot of tips and tricks.
“Yeah, there's a choreography that goes with taking these costumes on and off. They're quite precious too, so we really wanted to take care of them. With the headdresses, usually the girls only have them on for a couple minutes, but we'd be wearing them all day, leaning against the wall … holding those things up.
“I told Gia I want to really go for it. I want to learn everything I can … I prepared for this film like I would a play. I knew every single word of this movie before I got to Las Vegas, inside-out and backwards because we weren’t going to have a lot of time.”
Golden Globe nominee, so many nominations … People are rooting for you and excited for this amazing new chapter in your career. Do you feel the love?
“ I do feel the love. I just have to say it's never too late to never give up. I just love this business. Coming from a Playboy background … I was going to Samuel French, reading Tennessee Williams plays and Eugene O'Neill plays, and I was like, ‘How do I get from here to here?’
“I don't know. I was just searching. And I encourage people to keep searching. And when that opportunity comes … you just grab it by the throat and do it.”
“The Last Showgirl” opens in wide release on January 10. The Beverly Theater has public screenings scheduled January 24-30.
